There will be a party of five of us going to CDG from a common hotel in the 7th arr. The idea of a 5-6 person shuttlevan seems like a good idea but I have read mixed reviews. The shuttle being late going into Paris from CDG would be annoying but not disastrous. Going TO CDG however could cause all sorts of problems.
Any feedback would be appreciated, any recommendations, caveats, etc. We would be flying out on a Sunday morning in late May, the earliest flight of the group leaves about 10:30 am. (back to USA).
Rhonda:
Why a shuttlevan? Take the train (assuming no strikes).
Jon, we will probably have a lot of luggage, 2 in the group are elderly, and I think it will either have to be private hire of some sort, or taxis.
Why don't you order the shuttle and if it is late, flag a couple of taxis. It will probably be there on time. There is also a direct Air France bus at the Air France bus station next to Invalids. I wouldn't rely on the RER B at this time. Not only is it inconvenient to the 7th, but it has been in the news on French TV lately due to its lack of reliability. There have been several protests by regular riders who are sick and tired of the daily breakdowns and delays. The RER B is running at capacity and then some.
I didn't know about the Air France bus...i will look into that as an option, we happen to be flying AirFrance/Delta. Thank you.
Rhonda, Given the circumstances you described, a Shuttle may indeed be the best option. You could either: > Ask your Hotel to pre-book a Shuttle for you. > Book a Shuttle on your own. If you do a Google search on "Paris Airport Shuttles", you'll get LOTS of possibilities. I can't remember which one I've used in the past, as the Hotel booked it. The driver was prompt and efficient, and dropped me right at the appropriate Terminal. You can probably find ratings for some of the Shuttles on Trip Advisor. Traffic shouldn't be overly busy on a Sunday, but leave lots of time anyway. Happy travels!
Yes, I guess I will probably book a shuttle that does not require prepayment, and has no cancellation penalty. And will probably email the hotel and ask if they recommend any shuttle in particular.
To underline what Pat and Bets have said, call taxis g7, reserve a taxi. For that many people, on an easy Sunday morning, the price per person difference between a taxi and any other way more of a hassle transport is negligible, making the taxi even better value than normal.
Use G7 taxi, its is well reviewed , never heard a complaint, english speaking dispatchers and drivers, and they do have mini vans. You will phone and order a taxi the night before, or perhaps can preorder one online..
DO NOT use any service you have to prepay for.
Rhonda, Can you please come back here after you get home and say how it went? I'd be particularly interested to hear which shuttle you selekted and how it went. Several people have previously posted here over the last few years about the problems they had with shuttle companies in Paris.
Yes Nigel, I would be happy to report back...although with the G7 taxis positive input, I may rethink shuttle. I did email an acquaintance who lives in Paris, and travels a great deal for work to see what she thought. She thought that overall shuttles are reliable, had on occasion used Super Shuttle. From looking on the internet, ALL of them seem to have fans and detractors. I will report back.
Yes Nigel, I would be happy to report back...although with the G7 taxis positive input, I may rethink shuttle. I did email an acquaintance who lives in Paris, and travels a great deal for work to see what she thought. She thought that overall shuttles are reliable, had on occasion used Super Shuttle. From looking on the internet, ALL of them seem to have fans and detractors. I will report back.